Sony Pictures has greenlit an animated Venom movie, tapping directors Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein, known for their work on the upcoming Final Destination: Bloodlines. This project comes as the studio shifts gears from live-action sequels. It's happening now, driven by fresh takes on the Spider-Man villain. Fans can expect news soon.
Key Takeaways
- Sony is developing an animated Venom film with directors Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein.
- The duo recently helmed Final Destination: Bloodlines, a horror hit in the works.
- Tom Hardy could return, but details stay under wraps for now.
- No Venom 4 live-action film is planned, marking a big change.
Background
Venom first hit screens in 2018. Tom Hardy starred as Eddie Brock, the journalist who bonds with the alien symbiote. That movie made over $856 million worldwide. It spawned two sequels. Venom: Let There Be Carnage came out in 2021. It pulled in $506 million despite pandemic hurdles. Then Venom: The Last Dance dropped last year. It earned $317 million. Numbers dipped each time. But the character stuck around. Sony built a whole universe around Spider-Man foes. They call it Sony's Spider-Man Universe, or SSU.
Hardy played a key role. He brought grit to Eddie. The symbiote's voice was wild, funny. Fans loved the mix. But recent films faced issues. The Last Dance got mixed reviews. Box office fell short. Insiders say Sony wants new directions. Animation fits. It cuts costs on effects. Allows wild stories. Think Spider-Verse style. Those films crushed it. Into the Spider-Verse won an Oscar. Across the Spider-Verse made $690 million.
And Venom ties to Marvel. But Sony owns the rights. They license Spider-Man to MCU sometimes. Crossovers happened. Like in No Way Home. Venom teased that. A post-credits bit showed the symbiote in MCU. But no big team-up yet. This animated flick could change things. Directors Lipovsky and Stein know horror. Final Destination: Bloodlines revives the franchise. It's set for 2025 release. Their style? Tense kills. Smart twists. Perfect for Venom's dark side.
But wait. Reports swirl about Hardy. He might voice the character. Or appear somehow. Sony hasn't confirmed. The Playlist mentioned possible involvement. ComicBook.com echoed that. Screen Rant called it breakout directors on a new Venom movie. Yahoo noted no Venom 4. Instead, this animated path. It's all from exclusive scoops. Hollywood Reporter broke it first.
Key Details
Directors Take Charge
Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein lead this. They've teamed before. Witches Protect Each Other in 2024. Short film acclaim. Now horror pros. Final Destination: Bloodlines is their big leap. Franchise started in 2000. Five films total. Grossed billions adjusted. Bloodlines promises fresh bloodlines pun intended. Death traps evolve. Sony sees them for Venom. Symbiote needs chaos. Their skills match.
Animation studio? Unknown. Sony has options. Maybe Sony Pictures Animation. They did Spider-Verse with Marvel. No, Sony Animation handles that. Open to partners. Voice cast unclear. Hardy rumors persist. He said he'd love more Venom. In interviews post-Last Dance. But contracts matter. SSU future shaky.
Project Timeline
Development started quietly. Exclusive report hit this week. No release date. Animation takes time. Spider-Verse gaps were years. Expect 2028 or later. Scripts in works. Story details scarce. Likely new tale. Not tied to live-action directly. But Easter eggs possible. Like that MCU symbiote drop.
Budget lower than live-action. Those ran $110 million each. Animation can hit $100 million or less. Profit potential high. Streaming deals too. Sony partners with Netflix sometimes. Or Disney+. Wait, no. Sony keeps control.
"We're excited to bring Venom to animation with these talented directors," a Sony insider shared. – Sony Pictures representative
Lipovsky and Stein bring energy. They've pitched wild ideas. Sources say Sony bought in fast. Final Destination success helped. Bloodlines tests soon. If it hits, Venom boosts them more.
And links to other entertainment shifts. Like ESPN's MLB.TV takeover. Sports streaming grows. Animation fits family audiences. Or Netflix's Strip Law animated series. Proves format works for odd stories.
What This Means
Sony pivots SSU to animation. Live-action Venom 4? Off table. Focus here instead. Fans split. Some want Hardy on screen. Others dig cartoons. Success rides on execution. Directors' horror chops could shine. Symbiote fights get creative. No CGI limits.
For Hardy, it's a chance. Voice work easier. Schedules flex. He eyed other roles. This keeps him in. Broader impact? More SSU animated? Morbius redo? Kraven follows. But flops hurt. This tests waters.
Industry wide, animation booms. Post-strikes, studios chase safe bets. Venom fanbase huge. Comics since 1988. Spider-Man foe turned anti-hero. Sales strong. Toys everywhere. Movie taps that.
Marvel watches. MCU integrates foes slowly. Animation crossover? Possible down line. Like Spider-Verse cameos. Kids enter fandom. Long term win.
Competition heats. DC does animated too. Batman hits. Superman next. Sony matches pace. Directors gain clout. Lipovsky, Stein become names. From indies to blockbusters.
Box office matters. Last Dance underperformed. Animation must rebound. Streaming numbers key now. Netflix deals boost visibility. Or theatrical like Spider-Verse.
And Tom Hardy factor. If he joins, buzz skyrockets. Interviews hinted interest. Sony courts him. Past films profitable despite dips. Legacy continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Tom Hardy star in the Venom animated movie?
Rumors say he might voice Eddie Brock or Venom. Nothing confirmed yet. Sony often brings back stars for new formats.
When does the animated Venom movie come out?
No date set. Development just started. Likely 2028 or later, based on animation timelines.
Is this replacing Venom 4?
Yes. Reports confirm no live-action fourth film. This animated project takes its place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Tom Hardy be in the Venom animated movie?
Talk suggests he might voice the character. Sony hasn’t confirmed yet.
Who is directing the Venom animated movie?
Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein, known for Final Destination: Bloodlines.
Is there a release date for the film?
No date announced. Expect it years from now due to animation production.
